Woolsack Races

But what do those who work nearby make of the annual event?

From his desk at Elite Wealth Management, John Hole has a great view of Market Place at the top of the hill.

"I had no idea, until I came the first time, how big and how heavy the woolsacks are," says John.

"When you watch the guys going down the hill it looks very very demanding.

"The harder part is going down the hill; coming back up is actually safer but the speed they go at with the weight is actually quite dangerous - it's quite spectacular."

Atmosphere

Towering over the start line and with a perfect view down Gumstool Hill is Kingsley House Nursing Home.

Many of the residents of the home have lived in Tetbury for many years and Barbara Harpwood, Matron Manager, knows how much they love watching the event...

"I take some of the residents around the town afterwards, looking at the stalls and seeing the people - it's a really good atmosphere."

"Just walking up the hill makes people puff and pant, so running up it and down must be even worse because you've got this thing on your back and the momentum must be pretty scary - I wouldn't like to do it!

"The best year ever was when Prince Charles came to open up the event and then his car went down the hill and he was talking to people on both sides of the street.

"The residents were just so excited about that and there was so many people it was overwhelming, just wonderful."

Playing bowls

For just over forty years, Alan Cox has been operating his plumbing supplies business at the top of Gumstool Hill, several metres away from the official start line of the races.

But as he doesn't live in this part of the town, how many times do you think he has been to watch the annual races?

"Once...many years ago!" says Alan,

"Generally I'd be playing bowls or something in the afternoon but I'd always come down in the morning and go round all the stalls.

"It's pretty exciting; everyone enjoys it and it's a very good day for Tetbury, there's no doubt about that."

Successful

Tetbury hotel, the Snooty Fox, has sponsored the Woolsack Races before and manager Marc Gibbons explains why...

"We wanted to help make the event far more successful than perhaps it had been before.

"It's a very worthwhile event, it's great for the town and for everybody here that wants to enjoy it."

But even with the expected crowds each year and everything on offer to cater for them, Mark adds that it's not just about making money:

"It's one day a year and every business that wants to do well on that day can do, but it's much more than that.

"It's about fun, really enjoying yourself and the town coming together."